Epicardial fat volume is inversely correlated with the degree of diastolic dysfunction and outcome in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Methods HFPEF was defined as serum NT-proBNP levels >220 pg/ml, E/e by echocardiography ≥8, signs or symptoms of heart failure and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (EF≥50%). 58 HFPEF patients and 34 controls were prospectively evaluated. All patients underwent right heart catheterization. CMR studies included the assessment of cardiac function and dimensions by standard cine sequences. Epicardial fat volume was quantified offline, using dedicated software (cmr42).